All funds raised in Dublin on 10th of June will go straight to the only hospital in Zimbabwe providing free AIDS treatment.

The 3rd Annual Roberto Bazzoni Onlus Charity Golf Tournament 2004 was a great success! Held at the Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links on 10 June 2004 and sponsored by Pioneer Investments and Citigroup; it raised a total of €40,713 which will save lives in Zimbabwe. Pioneer friends, associates and vendors were welcomed to the event by Sebastiano Bazzoni, Chairman of the Roberto Bazzoni Onlus, Robert Richardson CEO of Pioneer Investment Management Ltd and Bernard Hanratty, Director of Citigroup Global Transaction Services. Among many other distinguished guests was His Excellency Alberto Schepisi, the Ambassador of the Republic of Italy.

The picturesque course was made all the more challenging by the turbulent weather – some were forced off the course adamant that grey clouds were pursuing them and warmed up at the Jameson Bar. Others struggled determinedly through to the finish while some had the luck to have Sunshine follow their backs all day. A tired but invigorated bunch returned to enjoy the evening’s events.

The meal was followed by some words from Sebastiano Bazzoni – recounting the tales of some of those patients he met on project development assessment trip to Zimbabwe in May. These personal accounts can be found at this link and help to bring into focus the harsh reality and serious need which the RBO and its members are trying to abate.

The Fujitsu team swooped in at 1at place, each taking home the Roberto Bazzoni Onlus Golf Tournament Trophy and a stunning Louise Kennedy Waterford Crystal vase. The Clarion Hotel and NCB Stockbrokers followed and carted off similarly lovely loot. The RBO Dublin Golf Event wouldn’t be the same unless David Harte and Eimear Cowhey of Pioneer Investments had the opportunity for a “grab and grin”. David came in with Longest Drive and Eimear stole the Best Lady for the third year running.

Lawrence McCabe set off an entertaining and sometimes fearsome auction, with many a rally being struck up for some of the wonderful goodies so kindly provided for the event. The rest of the summer will see some of our guests enjoying many a five star weekend, Opera in operatic Verona, champagne receptions in Munich, pampering, fine dining and much more.

The evening closed with the energy which results from such an act of international collaboration and teamwork. All involved from hosts, sponsors, guests, organisers, donors to green keepers played an integral part in the success of this day and therefore ultimately to saving the lives of those who battle against the insidious and venomous AIDS. It was a good day.